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It is the fall, which for some people brings to mind the start of school, football season, baseball playoffs, soccer games, leaves falling, and cool crisp weather. However, it’s fall 2007, which for some people means a focus on the one-year left of President Bush’s reign; some find this encouraging, others find it ominous. I know that very many people are happy to see new candidates lining up to prove themselves worthy of earning every child’s dream title: President.
This year’s candidates come from all different areas and levels of experience. We have a few governors, a former mayor, many senators, businessmen, a few lawyers, and even a lecturer. We also have diversity, as well as many controversial beliefs among the candidate. However, they all have the thousand dollar haircuts and infallible smiles in common. I will be writing about a couple of different candidates each week in my articles. This week I will quickly discuss just two.
One candidate who seems to stand out in the race is Hillary Clinton, a former first lady who is shaping up to be a front runner. Her favorite public issues to speak about include the war, health care, and the federal budget. It surprises many politicians that she continues to come through with plans for the health care system when she has previously fallen short, or has even thrown away the subject when after getting elected. She is thought to be a great speaker and a strong, somewhat egotistical, person. Hillary has all the glamor of being a candidate, but what many people want to know is whether she is actually qualified. It is recognized that she has many celebrity supporters, including Martha Stewart, O.J. Simpson, Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Jackson, and Madeline Albright. Well, I must say this list just makes me a little worried.
Another candidate who stands out would be Mitt Romney, our former Massachusetts governor. Although many people thought his heart was not in our state 100% when he was governing, it was probably because his heart was also in the presidential campaign. I got to meet Mitt Romney this summer in Laconia, New Hampshire, which also happens to be a hot spot for politicians because Senators Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards appeared and spoke there. I also got the chance to meet John Edwards, who I will discuss in a later article. A few of Romney’s favorite issues in his campaign are health care, immigration, and abortion. Mitt Romney is taking his campaign around the country and “get to know the people.” He is very amiable, and his goal is to be seen as on the same level as everyday people.
The Presidential race is full of many twists and turns, both exciting and disturbing; I hope to keep you posted on all of them throughout the campaign.
Seti • Mar 11, 2008 at 8:24 AM
This website is wac … Pirates for Life!!!
Seti • Feb 8, 2008 at 12:22 PM
As long teachers do not preach their political opinions it doesn’t matter, and if they do preach their views they are not meeting the qualifications of being a good teacher. Hiring based on political affiliations would be discrimination.
GOP Supporter • Jan 31, 2008 at 1:53 PM
It might be informative to see how many teachers identify themselves as Liberal and how many Conservative. If my hunch is correct, 90% of Wayland teachers are Liberal. What does that say about diversity in Wayland? Diversity in though is critical in a learning environment. Correct?
Anonymous • Jan 23, 2008 at 11:34 AM
People! We all have our first ammendment rights. This includes the author of this article and all its detractors and supporters. Instead of attacking eachother with sarcastic comments, this forum is meant to be used for intelligent points of view and for point and counterpoint. The true object is for people to learn about the subject. The reponses could be handled in debate fashion, with suscinct facts and clear points of view. Reading through all of this, I found there were very few with real factual information or truly constructive suggestions. Where were the candidates positions on the issues?
If for example Ben, you are going to comment and claim Mitt can’t possibly relate to the common man, put some actual facts with that to support your point of view. Intelligently inform readers why you have that opinion. Elizabeth if you are worried about celebrity endorsements, mention why that is troublesome to you. If you are claiming Hillary is egotistical, put in facts to support this. And everyone pay attention in English class to improve their argument style and writing skills. Debates and true arguments are ment to be clear and be supported by real facts.
Now, to the issue of these celebrity endorsements. All candidates want them. Why? The reason is quite simply that the “common man” we have been referring to is drawn to them. So, when a candidate wants to reach many more people with their message that candidate welcomes the endorsements. These celebrity endorsements are used by both democrats and republicans. Case in point, when Barack Obama wants to draw tons of people for an appearance, he has Oprah there. Many more people will come hear him speak. Even Huckabee has his Chuck Norris.
And now, I have comments on Mitt. No one has cited the very important fact that Mr. Romney is the only govenor in the history of United states to have successfully worked out a universal health care plan for his state. He continued to lobby and work with both republicans and democrats in this state after leaving the govenorship to get this legislation and plan approved. This is a plan that is helping the “common man” and took a leader with executive and operational skills to get the job done. It is curious to me that no one mentioned this. He is also a successful businessman. With the economy today, his business skills could be a benefit. Food for thought.
And BTW, I am not a republican or democrat. I’ve been examing both parties an making assessments based on all the candidates positions, credibility, experience, and FACTS!!!
And finally and also ironically, If Elizabeth wants to really go to a source who knows politics and the ins and outs of all the candidates republican or democrat a great resource would be Ben. He lives, eats, breathes, and sleeps politics. He could give you facts on ALL of the candidates and then some. There is no question he is personally drawn to the democratic party and sometimes to the green party. There is also no doubt he would be a great resource. Just be prepared to listen objectively, if you dare to go there!
Challenge to you both!
Anonymous • Jan 17, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Yeah to Wayland GOP:
GTFO! Unless you’re a Ron Paul fan, I’d be willing to debate you. And I’d win. Who are you anyway? ASA?!
Wayland GOP • Jan 13, 2008 at 1:37 PM
Republicans of Wayland High unite! If you want more info on Wayland GOP go to the WAYLANDGOP.COM website. Start a Conservative or Young Republican Club! Let the Wayland GOP know how we can help! Good Luck!
anonymous • Nov 13, 2007 at 8:34 PM
Personally I think that this article could have shown more about both candidates. Or just one candidate at a time, to ward off stuck up democrats into thinking you are favoring the republican party. For me, it isnt democrat or republican anyways, its about the issues and where the candidate stands on them. Thats one thing this article needed, to show what Clinton and Romney’s positions are on the issues. Thats what we really care about, not the celebrities supporting which candidate.
Chris • Nov 3, 2007 at 9:09 PM
“The last thing we need is another republican president running this country.”
Actually there are many many things that are very very bad. Also, saying what you did is ignorant. Not every single republican thinks the same just as not every single liberal or moderate or what-have-you thinks the same.
Chris • Nov 3, 2007 at 9:08 PM
“This story was biased and uninformative.”
How is it biased if it doesn’t tell you anything? Now I’m not saying it isn’t informative, Liz, I’m just saying Ben’s statement doesn’t make sense.
immigrant-loving tree hugger • Nov 1, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Yes, almost 100% of our school is Democratic, this is true. If you want to express your political views go right ahead. But, when you make an ignorant statement that makes you look like an idiot im sure you lose all the respect of anyone you were trying to “tell off.”
anonymous • Oct 31, 2007 at 1:43 PM
“I’m happy to know that there’s at least one other person in our school who isn’t an immigrant-loving tree hugger…….”
are you saying that all democrats are tree huggers?
Anonymous • Oct 31, 2007 at 4:52 AM
I am pretty sure this is an opinion article, and if you don’t like the fact that it doesn’t criticize the republicans, then write your own article
Liz Doyon • Oct 28, 2007 at 9:44 AM
Thank you anonymous #9, honestly I just wrote a quick article introducing two front runners. I never said that I am supporting Mitt Romney as a candidate. I think this town needs to be a little more open minded as well. People get too threatened when one of the few non-democrats speaks out on an issue that one may know nothing about other than the fact that their parents disagree with republicans.
“Jon”, obviously you have been too busy trashing republican candidates (and not courageous enough to use your real name) to see that people like John Edwards and Hillary Clinton who both (as caught on tape) think they are better than the other candidates saying things such as, “Why are they (refering to Barack Obama, and others) even here?” Why then, in your opinion is that not racist, or selfish? Maybe you should be a little more 3 dimensional with you thoughts.
And by the way I don’t watch Fox news, my parents are not financing Mitt Romney’s campaign (my dad doesn’t like Romney as a candidate), and I am sorry that I don’t have the free time you apparently have the read the oh so wonderfull Wall Street Journal.
(I do, however, apologize for the spelling mistake. This article did go through a democrat teacher before being published though.)
anonymous • Oct 21, 2007 at 3:02 PM
“This story was biased and uninformative.”
Just because something isn’t pro democrat (like everything else is in our school) does not mean its “biased” and “uninformative.”
And just so you know, almost everything else we read on here is blatantly biased against republicans, so I’m glad this girl wrote this. I’m happy to know that there’s at least one other person in our school who isn’t an immigrant-loving tree hugger…….
anonymous • Oct 12, 2007 at 11:12 AM
The fact that this article focuses in on the perceived faults of Hilary Clinton, and the somewhat contrived “plusses” about Romney is the worrisome aspect, not the list of supporters for Mrs. Clinton. Madeline Albright was a well-respected secretary of state. That she served under President Clinton should not be viewed as disturbing, rather, it is an honor that Hilary has already earned her respect. Please refrain from biased opinions if you truly plan on following this campaign.
4chan.org • Oct 11, 2007 at 11:56 PM
I can’t stand Mitt Romney.
:He’s a slippery Republican
Jon Stewart • Oct 11, 2007 at 7:50 PM
Whaaaaaaa……
I enjoy how you in profile the candidates by saying what issues they talk about but not mentioning what their stance is, now that’s an in depth report. I find it ironic that you question Hilary’s, oh wait I think her name has two Ls, qualifications(8 years living in the white house, serving second term as a US senator, going on 6 and a half years), and you don’t mention Romney’s qualifications(1 term,2 years, as governor of Massachusetts)
Speaking of Romney, do we really want a president who put the welfare of millions of people at risk because “his heart was not in our state 100% when he was governing” so he could look ahead and plan to be come president. That sounds like a leader to me.
You call Hillary egotistical without ever meeting her and call Mitt Romney, Amiable. No duh he is going to be amiable he is trying to become president; I don’t think he is going to be mean to the daughter’s of his financiers. And yes he is going around to “get to know the people”, unless of course you are a minority, which I don’t think you are. All the leading republican candidates, including Romney declined an invitation to attend a nationally televised debate hosted by a historically black university and moderated by an African American, Tavis Smiley. What did Romney have to do that day that was so important? He went to IHOP and talked to a few white people. If your view of an everyday person, is of a racist dishonest, two faced politician who if elected president is likely to continue the evisceration of US constitution, then he has achieved the goal you said he was trying to achieve
Stop watching Fox News, and go read the paper, even if it is the Wall Street Journal and then maybe you will realize candidates are much more complicated than the 5 second clips or the out of context quotes you see on TV. Try to give an in depth or at least fair look at the politicians.
Alex • Oct 9, 2007 at 9:06 AM
Your article is blatantly biased against democrats. You provide no criticism of Romney, of which there are many. Romney used his governorship as a stepping stone to the presidency and didn’t do enough to help the state of massachusetts. Also, he is a businessman first and this affects all of his decisions. The last thing we need is another republican president running this country.
ben schattenburg • Oct 9, 2007 at 7:52 AM
This story was biased and uninformative.
peggywang • Oct 5, 2007 at 1:56 PM
Just because you can’t vote doesn’t mean you can’t follow what’s going on with the campaign; that’s like telling a three year old he or she shouldn’t be be learning math yet because that’s not what three year olds do. But I do get what you mean, like that most people think politics aren’t all that important to us maybe BECAUSE we aren’t old enough to vote yet, but it’s good that we’re at least being informed; this kind of stuff is important and we should be encouraged to read more politically relevant articles or else we’d be too ignorant. Anyway, I’m glad Doyon wrote this; it shows maturity on her part. It’d really be great if we could get to know the candidates better and know their stances on certain issues in order to compare them because I think that right now we only have impressions of these people; we don’t fully understand them as much as we should. Those types of articles will really be important for next year when the seniors can vote in the election.
ben schattenburg • Oct 5, 2007 at 9:15 AM
How are you “worried” when a presidential candidate has celebrity supporters. “His goal is to be seen as on the same level as everyday people” oh come on!
Anonymous • Oct 5, 2007 at 5:33 AM
I don’t think many people can vote yet. I don’t even think you can vote yet. It is interesting to know that you are interested in this though.